The Destructiveness of All or Nothing
We want to say a special thank you to all of our supporters out there. If you would like to join them in supporting Renewed Heart Ministries’ work you can do so by going to renewedheartministries.com and clicking donate. New Episode of JustTalking! Season...
BY HERB MONTGOMERY A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other...
Ethical Teachings Versus Supernatural Claims
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do as I teach? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man...
by Herb Montgomery “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6) Tomorrow is Halloween so let’s talk about that first. Halloween...
A Shared Meal and a Vision for the Future
BY HERB MONTGOMERY While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples . . . Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them,...
Jesus’ Vision for Community, Wealth Redistribution, and Closing the Inequality Gap
By Herb Montgomery Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23) First, I didn’t say the above statement! So don’t be upset with me. But it is in Mark’s...
BY HERB MONTGOMERY While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit...
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life . . . instruct them in the practice of all I have [taught] you” (Matthew 28:17, 18-19, The Message, emphasis added). Last week, we talked about...
An End of the World Savior versus Present Liberator
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, ‘What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits [read cosmic forces of evil] and they obey him.’ News about him spread quickly over...
Is Transformative Justice Enough?
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Those who are well have no need of a physician.” (Mark 2.17) This week, we continue exploring the passage that we looked at last week. Last week we said that the inclusive table of Jesus made room for “tax collectors” and...
Jesus—Liberator of the Oppressed, Physician of the Sick
BY HERB MONTGOMERY As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax...
Jesus, the Meek, and the Golden Rule
Jesus’ non-exclusive, non-homogenous, non-kyriachical, shared table. BY HERB MONTGOMERY Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5) As we look at the “blessings” of Matthew 5 this week, know that they do not say that any state is an intrinsic blessing....
Women and the Cheek Defiance of Jesus
Self-Affirming, Nonviolent Resistance and the Cheek Defiance of Jesus for Women. BY HERB MONTGOMERY If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. —Matthew 5:39 Over the last few weeks, I’ve been confronted by yet another reminder of...
Blessed Are Those Who Are Poor . . .
BY HERB MONTGOMERY Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20) It’s good to be back home! I truly loved my time in Brazil. It is a very beautiful place, and...
A Liberation For Those Who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) (Top to bottom; left to right.): Ethel Lance, 70; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49; The Rev. Clement Pinckney, 41; Susie Jackson, 87; Myra Thompson, 59; The Rev....
Jesus’ Words to the Disinherited: Salt, Light, Justice, and Anger
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “You are the light of the world.” — Jesus (Matthew 5.14) Last week we talked about the difference it makes when we place the Sermon on the Mount in the context of Jesus belonging to and speaking among the community of the...
Letting Go of Three Types of Fear
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) I have recently gone through a paradigm shift in the way I look at Jesus and I believe this shift is significant....
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 9 of 9
Part 9 of 9 by Herb Montgomery The Gospel of an Unstoppable Liberation “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.” (Acts 13:32-33) I want to end this series...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 8 of 9
Part 8 of 9 by Herb Montgomery It Is Finished “When Jesus had drank the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) The parallels between John’s telling of the Jesus story...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 7 of 9
Part 7 of 9 by Herb Montgomery I Am Thirsty Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” (John 19.28) As we continue in John’s telling of the Jesus story, I want...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 6 of 9
Part 6 of 9 Woman, Here Is Your Son BY HERB MONTGOMERY Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 5 of 9
Part 5 of 9 Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit by Herb Montgomery Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23.46). Out of all the last...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 4 of 9
Part 4 of 9 You Will Be with Me in Paradise by Herb Montgomery He replied, “Truly I tell you today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 Today, much is lost when one reads these words in Luke’s gospel. Partly...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 3 of 9
Part 3 of 9 Forgive Them; For They Do Not Know What They Are Doing BY HERB MONTGOMERY Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 32:34 Last week we looked at what many consider to...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 2 of 9
Part 2 of 9 My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? BY HERB MONTGOMERY And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you...
The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus; Part 1 of 9
Part 1 of 9 Two Definitions of Holiness BY HERB MONTGOMERY This week I want to begin a nine-part series leading up to this year’s Easter season. Beginning next week, we will take a look at each of the last sayings we are given...
by Herb Montgomery Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:14–15) This week we...
Communities of Origin and Internalized Self-Hatred
by Herb Montgomery They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue...
Liberation Descending in the Form of a Dove
The Liberation dove and the difference between nonviolence and peace. By Herb Montgomery In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the...
Follow Jesus, He’ll Ruin Your Life
by Herb Montgomery And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.—Jesus (Mark 1.17) The Downward Social Mobility of Following Jesus I’ve chosen to begin this new year with a fresh contemplation of the Jesus...
BY HERB MONTGOMERY “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built...
Immanuel: God in Solidarity with an Oppressed People by Herb Montgomery
“All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’” (Matthew 1.22–23). This week I’d like to continue our liberation theme during this...
What does the Advent mean if not Liberation? By Herb Montgomery
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he...
No More Sacrifice by Herb Montgomery
“‘Abraham is our father,’ they answered. ‘If you were Abraham’s children,’ said Jesus, ‘then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me . . . Abraham did not do such things. You are doing...
A God Who Takes Sides by Herb Montgomery
“‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree...
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” — Jesus (John 14.26) What many miss in John’s gospel is Jesus’ primary characterization...
Orphan-Maker or Advocate by Herb Montgomery
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate. — Jesus (John 14.16) I find it interesting that within John’s version of the Jesus story, the word here used for the One who will be given is parakletos. A parakletos...
Rejected Rejection by Herb Montgomery
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” (Matthew 21.42) First, I want to say a big thank you...
A Woman, a Ruler and Two Centers
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and to not get discouraged. (Luke 18.1) This week we are looking at the parable referred to by many as the parable of the unjust ruler and the importunate woman. I want...
Jesus, ISIS and The West by Herb Montgomery
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.—Jesus (Matthew 26.28) What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples that his blood was being poured out for the forgiveness of sins? We must...
The Footsteps of the Prophets by Herb Montgomery
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”—Jesus (Matthew 5.11) Luke’s version is even more pointed: “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you,...
Mercy Seeds by Herb Montgomery
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (Matthew 5.7) It’s back-to-school season for most this time of year. And on our morning drive to drop off the kids this past week (I have three kids of three different ages being dropped off...
God of the Oppressors Vs. God of the Oppressed and the Sermon on the Mount by Herb Montgomery
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are...
His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are...
The Demoniac, the Crowd and the way of Mercy rather than Sacrifice.
Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” (Mark 5:9) I must confess that this is one of the most bizarre and difficult sections of the four Jesus narratives. In our naturalistic worldview, most...
Part 3 of 3 – Jesus and the Living Water
Jesus and the Living Water Part 3 of 3 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” (John 4:16) Stop, and consider. A woman comes for water every day in the middle of the day, instead of the early morning when...
“Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman” (John 4.27). Last week we looked at Jesus and the “Us vs. Them” paradigm of the Jews and the Samaritans. This week, I’d like to take a brief moment...
Part 1 of 3 – Jesus and the Samaritans
The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) (John 4.9) This week I want to begin a three part contemplation...
The Scapegoating/Betraying of Jesus at Bethesda
“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great...
Not If They Are Wearing It Too
“And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless.” (Matthew 22:12) This week, I have to admit that I hate nametags. I’m often invited to an event to speak and I will, along...
We are all Brother and Sisters of the same Divine Parents
“It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12.32) I was caught off guard this past week by the convergence of multiple narratives like many streams meeting to produce a waterfall. In my heart, I was not expecting what I...
Jesus Stops A Lynching and the LGBTQ Community
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery . . . (John 8.2-3) This...
Jesus and the Gospel of the Early Church
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) What I’d first like you to focus your attention on this week is that Jesus, in the above statement, does not say that the meek are promised that they will go to...
Jesus, The Prophets, and Social Justice
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.” (Matthew 5.13) Salt-less salt. Stop and think about that...
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised (Matthew 16:21, emphasis...
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and THE TRUTH, and the life.—Jesus (John 14.6) With almost the entire Christian world celebrating the Resurrection this past weekend (this was a year when Easter coincided for both the Latin Catholic West and the Greek...
Three Methods Jesus Rejected For Restoring The Kingdom
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was...
The End of Systems That Sacrifice Innocents
Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be healed through him.—John 3.17 (emphasis added.) The word placed in Jesus’ mouth by John here is “sozo.” It can be and is...
Taking the Risk of Enemy Love for the Kingdom
“So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.” (Matthew 25.15) This week, I’m not going to write to you for long. I want to focus on a single parable told by Jesus and then some quotations that I...
Doctrinal Unity in the Midst of Doctrinal Ambiguity
The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. (Luke...
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6.14-15) Hello everyone. This week, you’ve caught me out west, doing a nine-day series in...
Jesus’ Power Under Vs. Power Over by Clement of Rome
But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who...
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the...
“If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been...
But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will...
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies . . .” (Matthew 5.43, 44). This week I want to share with you what I consider to be one of the core...
The Egalitarian World of the Kingdom
But you are not to be called Rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have...
A Revolution in a Manger: (The Restorative Justice of the King); Part 4 of 4
Today a Savior has been born to you . . . (Luke 2.11)This week, I want to wrap up our four-part series. In Part 1, we discovered that Jesus came to this earth as a new King. In Part 2, we saw that this...
A Revolution in a Manger: (Peace on Earth); Part 3 of 4
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2.14)A Revolution in a Manger: (Peace on Earth), Part 3 of 4 “Peace on those whom he favors.” That was the promise Rome was making to the...
A Revolution Lying in a Manger (Freedom from the Fear of Death); Part 2 of 4
“Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”—Mathew 2.2 A Revolution Lying in a Manger (Freedom from the Fear of Death) Part 2 of 4 Before we...
A Revolution Lying in a Manger: Freedom, Peace, and Justice; Part 1 of 4
“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)The holiday season has begun here...
Thanks, Repentance, and Confession Giving
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied . . . Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. (Luke 6.21-25)We are just a few days away from a time spent in America around a table...
The Pre-Constantinian Mustard Seed
“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” (Luke 13.19) The last time I had seen this place was in the midst of a...
Part 9: The Coming of the Son of Man in an Unexpected Way
Then he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Do not go,...
Prophecy #8 – A Green Tree verses a Nation of Dry Trees
Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that...
Prophecy #7 – The Coming Kingdom, By Two Possible Paths
Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every...
Prophecy # 6 – The Way of Enemy-Embracing, Nonviolent Love and A God Who Changes His Mind
As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you,...
Prophecy #5 – Signs That Can Be Observed
Once Jesus was asked by a Pharisee when the kingdom of God was coming. He answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact,...
Prophecy #4 – Mother God and the Roman Eagle
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is...
Prophecy #3 – Two Headlines and a Fig Tree
At that very time, there were some present that told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?...
Prophecy #2 – Clouds on the Horizon
“When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of...
Prophecy #1 – The Blood of All the Prophets
“Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ Therefore, this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed...
“The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed . . .” —Jesus (Luke 9.22) This week, I’d like to begin with something a little different. Are you ready? I want you...
He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new...
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many...
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. —Jesus, John 14.16I find it interesting that the word Jesus used to refer to the Spirit is Advocate. This is the word John uses for Jesus...
This world IS our home, we are NOT just passing through.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.—Jesus (Matthew 5.5, emphasis added.)This week, I want to look at an emphasis in the teachings of Jesus that many miss today. Today, those who bear Christ’s name (Christians) are known largely (Praise God for...
“You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26.64)This week I want...
The Deeply Obstructed Kingdom Has Come (Part 2)
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. (Matthew 9.35)This week I’d like to finish up our look at Jesus’ “already present,” but deeply...
The Deeply Obstructed Kingdom Has Come (Part 1)
Once, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in...
Jesus’ Definition of Salvation
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house . . .” (Luke 19.9).After almost a whole month of being on the road, I’m happy to be sitting in a hotel this morning writing this eSight for next week. For those of...
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15.28)This week I’d like to look at three events in Luke’s version of the Jesus story that reveal to us how radical Jesus’ Kingdom...
Enemy Love; A New Moral Ethic!
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your...
White Horse, Red Horse, Black Horse, Pale. Loving your enemies, till Love prevails.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other also. If someone takes your...
“But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other. If someone takes your...
The Good News of the Kingdom wasn’t “Good News” to the “Religious”
“He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to...
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and...
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1.14–15, TNIV).Last week, we took a look at...
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found...
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”—Luke 2.11 This holiday season, as many Christians around the globe celebrate the “virgin birth” of Jesus, I want to embark on a series that seriously...
HeartGroups Series; Part 5 of 5
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. — Jesus (Mark 10.45)HeartGroups Series Part 5 This week, I want to conclude our five-part series on our new...
HeartGroups Series; Part 4 of 5 – Appendix
Matthew 20.25-28—Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and...
HeartGroups Series; Part 4 of 5
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms . . .”— Paul, Ephesians 3.10HeartGroups Series Part 4 Embracing The “Mission” of New Testament Ekklesia. Far from...
HeartGroups Series; Part 3 of 5
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another . . . – Paul, Colossians 3.16The HeartGroups Series Part 3 The Sufficiency of Christ This week, I want to move even closer to communicating the New Testament...
HeartGroups Series; Part 2 of 5
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up” (Paul, 1...
HeartGroups Series; Part 1 of 5
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours . . . I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Taking Up The Cross (12 of 12)
PART 12 OF 12 Taking Up The Cross BY HERB MONTGOMERY Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Domestic Violence (11 of 12)
PART 11 OF 12 Domestic Violence BY HERB MONTGOMERY But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5.39) This week, we discuss a topic related to...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: The Church Fathers (10 of 12)
Part 10 of 12 The Church Fathers BY HERB MONTGOMERY “When Christ disarmed Peter, He disarmed every soldier.” – Tertullian, Apology I must apologize this week. I’m going to be sharing an appendix to Part 9 of last week. I freely admit that there...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Nonviolence and Hitler (9 of 12)
PART 9 OF 12 Nonviolence and Hitler BY HERB MONTGOMERY He that leads others into captivity shall go into captivity himself: he that kills with the sword, will be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Home Security (8 of 12)
PART 8 OF 12 Home Security BY HERB MONTGOMERY “But now I tell you, Love your enemies.” —Jesus, Matthew 5.44Part 8 This week, I want to address the single greatest objection to the peace teachings of Jesus that I get. This question is raised...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Old Testament Violence (7 of 12)
PART 7 OF 12 Old Testament Violence BY HERB MONTGOMERY Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors in many and various forms by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by a Son [Who is] the exact image of...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: The Church & The Empire (6 of 12)
PART 6 OF 12 The Church & The Empire BY HERB MONTGOMERY Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Not Peace But A Sword (5 of 12)
PART 5 OF 12 Not Peace, But A Sword! BY HERB MONTGOMERY “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”— Jesus, Matthew 10.34 This week, I’d like to take...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Go Buy A Sword (4 of 12)
PART 4 OF 12 Go Buy A Sword BY HERB MONTGOMERY Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: Cheek Defiance (3 of 12)
PART 3 OF 12 Cheek Defiance BY HERB MONTGOMERY “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: The Constantinian Shift (2 of 12)
PART 2 OF 12 The Constantinian Shift BY HERB MONTGOMERY “With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said...
The Active Nonviolence of Jesus: The Witness of the Early Church (1 of 12)
PART 1 OF 12 The Witness of the Early Church BY HERB MONTGOMERY “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you....
Christus Victor (The Victory of Christ) – Part 4
At about three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (This means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Matthew 27.46Part 4 This week I’d like to wrap up our four-part miniseries on the Christus...
Christus Victor (The Victory of Christ) – Part 3
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.—Hebrews 2.14.Part 3 This week, I thought I was going to...
Christus Victor (The Victory of Christ) – Part 2
God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.—2 Corinthians 5:19Part 2 This week, I’d like to address what I consider to be the first facet of the Christus Victor paradigm. Remember from last week, this paradigm, rather...
Christus Victor (The Victory of Christ) – Part 1
“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” — John 12.31Part 1 I have gotten so much positive feedback from last week’s eSight! I’m so humbled by the encouraging emails that have come in. Also, I’ve...
Forgiveness versus Payment (Part 2 of 2 – Appendix)
“He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried;...
Forgiveness versus Payment (Part 2 of 2)
When a strong man, who is fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. Nevertheless, when a stronger individual attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor that the man trusted and divides up his plunder.—Luke 11.21,22 This week, I want...
Forgiveness versus Payment (Part 1 of 2)
“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both.” — Luke 7.42, 43This week, I would love to...
Would You Give Up Being An American for Jesus? Part 2 of 2
The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them. So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order...
Would You Give Up Being An American for Jesus? Part 1 of 2
The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them. So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order...